Juno

The Verdict

If Wes Anderson hung up his director's hat and opened a cafe, it'd be the kind of place with pastel margaritas, diabolically cool wallpaper, and eggs benedict topped in fluffy, candyfloss-coloured hollandaise. These are just some of the aesthetically pleasing treats that lie in store at dreamy new cafe Juno, which in reality isn't run by the famous film director, but is run by some of the cleverest minds in hospo. That would be husband-and-wife team Issac and Shanay Yu, a.k.a. Runo Group; whose other spots Bonita (Ellerslie), Slowlane (Greenlane), The Breakfast Club (Point Chevalier) and Good Luck Club (Takanini), you're probably already well acquainted with.

Now it's the Hibiscus Coast's turn to share in this pair's deliciously unique brand of hospitality, which has come to a sunny corner site in Milldale. Known for their quirky cafe-style fare with interiors to match, the Yu's are bringing all the best bits and pieces from their other ventures to this charming new spot, albeit with a Juno twist. Expect a menu spanning breakfast to lunch, coffees to cocktails, and a cabinet stacked full of dreamy treats to take home. And don't even get us started on the fit-out... a palette of soft pastels punctuated with rattan furniture, bunches of brightly-coloured flowers, and whimsical artwork (plus that incredible statement wallpaper that looks like something straight out of The Nutcracker). The perfect spot to eat, drink, and daydream.

Breakfast here is out the gate. The aforementioned eggs benny is particularly incredible and by that, we mean like nothing you've ever seen before (unless you know of somewhere else in Auckland that serves their benedict with a crown of pretty pink, beetroot-laced hollandaise foam? Didn't think so).

Pancakes are another classic brekkie dish that's been given the game-changing treatment at Juno. These are similar to the hugely popular (and actually, just huge) version served at Slowlane; weighing in at roughly a centimetre thick and slathered in Biscoff butter, whipped cream, and maple syrup (if you can make it through a plate of these, you are doing WELL). And if none of these dishes quite tickles your tastebuds' fancy, there's always smashed avo, granola, creamy mushrooms, and several other scrumptious options.

Lunch is an equally epic affair, and has a clear standout in the mighty tiger prawn burger. Once again, there's a sense of go-thicc-or-go-home here—the pattie (made from juicy minced prawns covered in a crispy oatmeal crumb), is almost an inch high, and stacked inside a soft brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese, pickles, and a punchy jalapeno mayo. Best-burger-in-Auckland stuff, right here.

The fried chicken ain't bad, either (read: we're obsessed)—featuring sticky, slightly spicy pieces of meat on a bed of sweet and crunchy waffles, topped with chopped peanuts and red cabbage slaw. Absolute. Banger. The slow-cooked lamb shoulder on sourdough is another delish dish, while you might also like to take a stab at the salmon gravlax, beef tartare, spicy maze soba... too many delights to list, really.

As expected, the drinks here are nothing short of dreamy, with hot brews in pastel cups served alongside icy cocktails in shades of yellow and pink. The spicy pineapple marg is something else, and gets extra brownie points for the fairy dust around the rim (actually edible gold glitter). The specialty drinks are also off the charts: think chocolate cold foam, peach iced Americano, and the piece de resistance—matcha strawberry cold foam.

It may have only just opened, but with food, drink, and a fit-out as pretty as you'll ever see, Juno can already be considered one of Auckland's best cafes. We can't wait to see what the team dream up next...

Words: Kathryn Steane | Image credit: Wono Kim

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